Indiana recruit Ryan Wittenbrink named Boys Soccer Player of the Year

Tracy Allen/Pioneer Press

Libertyville’s Ryan Wittenbrink (2) celebrates after scoring Libertyville’s first goal against Bradley-Bourbonnais in the Class 3A state semifinals on Nov. 3 in Hoffman Estates. Wittenbrink is the Pioneer Press All-Area Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Libertyville’s Ryan Wittenbrink (2) celebrates after scoring Libertyville’s first goal against Bradley-Bourbonnais in the Class 3A state semifinals on Nov. 3 in Hoffman Estates. Wittenbrink is the Pioneer Press All-Area Boys Soccer Player of the Year. (Tracy Allen/Pioneer Press)

Dan ShalinPioneer Press

Expectations were high for Libertyville forward Ryan Wittenbrink entering this season after he scored 19 goals for the Wildcats as a junior in 2016.

In spite of constant attention from defenders, the Libertyville resident took his game to another level this fall. Wittenbrink scored 39 goals and collected 18 assists as the Wildcats reached the state championship game, which they lost 1-0 to Naperville North. Libertyville held a 13-5 edge in shots on goal in the loss.

Though Libertyville was not quite able to replicate its 2015 state title — Wittenbrink scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Quincy in the championship game as a sophomore — the 2017 season was a memorable one for Wittenbrink and the Wildcats.

Wittenbrink scored five times, on five different types of goals, in the first half of an 8-1 win over Barrington in the sectional final on Oct. 27. The best of the bunch came when Wittenbrink chested the ball down, hit it on the half-volley from 25 yards out and watched the ball nestle into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Wittenbrink, the 2017 Pioneer Press All-Area Boys Soccer Player of the Year, talked about that performance, among other things, in an interview with Pioneer Press freelance sports reporter Dan Shalin.

Q: The Barrington game, have you ever had a game like that before?

A: It was the best half of high school soccer I've ever had in my life. It was a fun game. I was in a zone for sure. If you're ever going to show yourself in a half, I think (scoring five different types of goals) kind of showed my scoring versatility and showed what I'm about.

Q: Obviously, the season ended a bit disappointingly. Have you had a chance to reflect on the state championship loss to Naperville North?

A: I was pretty down about it (after the game), pretty disappointed. Obviously, no one likes losing and we certainly had the team to win this year. But looking back, I'm starting to come around and just appreciate the year and my career. (In the championship game), I thought we dominated in most aspects, but we couldn't finish (in front of goal). We created a lot and had a good amount of chances. We possessed the ball in their half a lot of the time. We did everything we wanted to do. But that's soccer, it's unfortunate and cruel sometimes. Naperville North was solid defensively, for sure, but we got our chances and it was just not our day.

Q: You said you're starting to come around and appreciate the season and your career. What aspects do you appreciate the most?

A: I'm very proud of my career and the way it's gone. I think I've helped turn Libertyville soccer in a really good direction and helped get them to where they're becoming a state powerhouse and a contender every year. I had two different coaches (Andy Bitta in 2015 and 2016 and Kevin Thunholm in 2017), and throughout the three years, and (especially) this year, I showed that I got better in the offseason and showed a lot of people what I can do. And I think we showed that the team was ready this year.

Q: In what ways has your game improved?

A: It's a mix of a lot of things, especially maturing mentally. Sometimes, in the past, I'd get frustrated (by a lot of attention from defenses). But this year, I didn't let that affect me. I just kept doing my thing and didn't worry about people trying to stop me, sometimes in pretty big numbers. It also helped developing strength-wise and technically, and I figured out ways to score (while heavily marked). Also, if people were taking me out of games, I think I did a good job finding teammates. I had two four-assist games (this season). I just really tried to find a way to impact a game, whether by scoring or assisting. I was happy to do both.

Q: Though you've decided to play for FC United's academy team this upcoming winter and spring, you spent your entire high school career playing club soccer for FC 1974 out of Libertyville. Many believe top players need to be part of an academy and skip high school soccer in the process. What is your take in the subject?

A: I'm a big proponent of playing high school. That's why I did so. I do understand and see the other side of (the argument) and playing academy, and that's why I'm going to do that. But the atmosphere in (high school soccer), you don't get that (at an academy game). Personally, I think the level in high school is still really high. My Libertyville team, playing with all those guys, it's a talented, good group. I certainly enjoyed the experience. It worked out with getting looks from schools, and I got (a chance to play at) my dream school (Indiana). I'm pleased with the route I took.

Q: You chose Indiana over Wisconsin and said Indiana is your "dream school." Why is that the case?

A: Both my parents (Mark and Pam) went to Indiana, and I've been a big Indiana (sports) fan my whole life. It was my dream to play soccer there, and it's one of the best programs in the country. It was nice to achieve that, for sure, and I can get a really good business degree at the Kelley School of Business. I can't wait to get down there, to be honest, and get started. I liked all the guys (on the team) and everything about it was incredible. (Indiana University) is a home for me. The program is big time, you're in the limelight nationally and in the state. I'm excited to join the program and be a part of its future.